Wednesday, February 16, 2011

An "Easy Change" with help from my right hand mom

The powder room redo is nearly complete. The Easy Changewallpaper went up with a few hitches.

It was fairly easy to do--thanks to my mom who shared her tools and helped cut and hang the paper.

The biggest hitch I would say is that I needed twice as much paper as I originally ordered. (Remember when I said I wasn't very good with measuring?) On the first day I got halfway through and started getting very excited about how it was starting to look, then had to stop and order more. Oooops, the project budget just doubled.

I also put in new light switches this morning (gave myself a couple little shocks in the process) and put a nice clean switch plate on and I'm so happy about that it looks so clean and fresh.

I'm searching for the perfect vanity or piece of furniture that I can turn into a vanity.

I really like the way the silk skirt looks, but the sink is so low.

I still have to change the lighting!! But I've already got that covered.

I found this little chandelier last weekend at a local antique shop for $60.

I think it's perfect, but I'll have a professional hang it so I don't get electrocuted.

Here's a summary about how I felt about this project:

Easy Change wallpaper

I like Easy Change because it was pre-pasted and all you have to do it dip it in water.

I think the match points that are printed on the paper also make cutting the pieces a little more foolproof.

The main reason I went with Easy Change was that it's supposed to be easy to remove. I won't know if that's true for a while though.

I think there are a lot of really great designs to choose from and I'm thinking about trying it again somewhere else in the house.

The wallpapering process in general

It really is better to have another person working with you! Four hands are much better than two on this project. (thanks mom!)

I love the impact wallpaper makes.

I think if you do it a few times it will get easier.

You should not drink three huge cups of coffee before wielding a straight edge razor.

Wallpapering can be messy, so don't bother taking a shower before you start. There will be glue in your hair, all over your clothes and body and certainly on the floor.

I might try it again in a room that doesn't have toilets, sinks, and water pipe to work around.

A friend stopped by today and said she thinks it looks "very sophisticated" and I say it's affordable.

Here's what I've spent on this room:

Wallpaper - $250

Cabinet - $100

Sink Skirt - $4

Bust - $5

Mirror - 0

Vintage Crystal Chandelier - $60

Switches, switch plate and new register - $7

Electrician - TBD

Come back soon. I've been pricing out air compressors and I intend to use it as soon as the weather warms up so I can do some major painting outdoors.

6 comments:

i LOVE it. it is so fresh and classy looking. and i LOVE your sink skirt. i want one now. i agree re having 2 people, that is a must, esp if one of them knows what he/she is doing. can't wait to see the chandelier.

i'm in utah w/very sketchy internet. i saw your comment and i really miss my domino magazines. one in particular that had josephine sasso in it. i think she is on the cover. do you have an extra one?

Well done you. I am so useless I wouldn't even contemplate doing something so handy, but I got a real kick out of reading about your DiY! Well done YOU! Looks fresh and lovely. PLus just had another look at your jewellery through Kayce's blog, wonderful new nostalgia!

About

I'm a stay at home mom with too many hobbies. I used to blog (monkeygrasshill.blgospot.com) about my DIY projects around the house and in the garden in our home right outside of Washington, DC. In the summer of 2013 my husband, son and I moved to London.
While things are definitely different on this side of the pond, I'm the same girl in a different city now.
Still hoarding house plants and tableware. Searching for treasures and entertaining whenever possible.